‘2030 Agenda Is for Everyone, Everywhere,’- UN secretary Gen.

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at a side event of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), “From global conversation to global action: making the SDGs work”, in New York:

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda heralds a new era of global solidarity for promoting prosperity, equal opportunity, and environmental stewardship. For the first time ever, we have a transformative set of global goals agreed by all countries — and that applies to every nation.

Two years ago, along with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark, I had the pleasure to launch a report that called for a step change in global diplomacy.

“A Million Voices: the World We Want” — we reached out to the world — “What kind of a world do you want? — just let us know”. We collected all the views from young people, women and business groups and civil society, philanthropists and some vulnerable groups of people. We have reflected and sent [it] to the Member States for their consideration.

Some 8.5 million people have made their voice heard to the United Nations — in face-to-face meetings and in the MY World survey. The message to policy-makers is clear: go beyond business as usual; work for true transformation; provide the conditions that allow us all to be agents of change.

This global conversation has set the tone for an agenda for the people. Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals are designed to resonate with people around the world, women and men, young and old, rich and poor. They encapsulate a message of hope that the world can unite to eliminate poverty, protect the planet, and provide a life of dignity for all.

Last year, with the proposal for the Sustainable Development Goals on the table, thoughts began to turn to how to make them work. Numerous global dialogues on implementation conveyed the world’s ideas and expectations.

Three key principles emerged: participation, inclusion, and partnerships. Agenda 2030 embraces these principles. The Preamble states: “All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan.”

Implementation is the litmus test of the new agenda. Governments are encouraged to adapt the agenda to their national circumstances, bearing in mind its high ambitions. Incorporating the agenda in national planning, policies, legislation and institutions will be critical. This will require political leadership and integrated action.

The United Nations system is ready to support Member States to make the global goals a success.

Today, we can say to all the people around the world, to those experts from all walks of life who have contributed to this global conversation: we have listened to your views. All your Governments have heard you.

This 2030 Agenda is for you; it is for everyone, everywhere. Claim it, demand that commitments are made and promises kept. Be part of this global call to action.

Preparations across the United Nations system are in full swing to support you. Together, we can build a better future for people and planet. Thank you for your commitment and leadership.